England v India will feel like an away game, says captain Morgan

On Sunday, Birmingham’s Edgbaston ground will play host to thousands of passionate India fans, desperate to see the two-time champions seal their place in the World Cup semi-finals. Photo: Lee Smith/Action Images via Reuters

BIRMINGHAM – England need all the help they can get as they try to get their World Cup campaign back on track against India.

But is this really a “home” tournament for Eoin Morgan’s side?

Huge numbers of Pakistan and India fans from Britain’s large south Asian community have turned grounds green and blue during the tournament, giving passionate backing to their favourite teams.

Normally sedate English stadiums have been transformed into seething cauldrons of noise and colour, despite the damp conditions at the start of the tournament.

Even minnows Afghanistan have enjoyed backing from a hardy knot of flag-waving fans who made their presence felt in their opener against Australia.

On Sunday, Birmingham’s Edgbaston ground will play host to thousands of passionate India fans, desperate to see the two-time champions seal their place in the World Cup semi-finals.

Morgan, whose side need to win both of their final matches, against India and New Zealand, to guarantee a place in the semi-finals, said England’s players knew before the tournament what they would be up against, despite being the home side.

“When you play Asian teams, you certainly get that impression that there’s a lot of fans there,” he said.

“It is what it is. We have accepted that when we do play against teams like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India, they will feel like away games. And that is just the way cricket is.”

Indian seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar said his team felt the benefit of the support.

“And being on the other side of it, it’s not ideal, but at the end of the day, they’re always going to outnumber you. “They are so loud, and they’re a happy crowd. They appreciate good cricket.

“Obviously they’re there to watch India do well, but they appreciate really good cricket, and when they’re playing their music and chants are going up, it’s a pretty great atmosphere to be a part of when you win.”